Z06 Coupe

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Review

2001
Chevrolet
Corvette Review

A Ferrari killer for a killer price.

Reviewed by Automotive on
8/2/2001

Overview

The 2001 Chevrolet Corvette is a sports coupe manufactured by General Motors (GM) since 1997. However, the history of the Corvette can be traced back to 1953. Each generation has been classified as C1, C2, C3, and so forth. The 2001 model belongs to the fifth generation of the coupe (C5).

The Range

What's New

Both engines in the 2001 Chevrolet Corvette are tweaked for improved power and torque. This model year also sees the introduction of the performance-enhanced Z06 model. All models now have the Active Handling system as a standard feature.

Exterior

The 2001 Chevrolet Corvette uses fiberglass construction and is available as a fixed-roof coupe, hatchback coupe, and convertible coupe. The last version has a glass rear window, manually folding top, and defogger, while the hatchback has a removable center roof panel. The Corvette uses several styling cues from previous years, including side air scoops, quad taillights, and hidden headlights. The Corvette Z06 model features special alloy wheels with wider tires, and functional body-side brake ducting. The regular Corvettes use run-flat tires that can reach speeds of 200 mph when airless and punctured.

Interior

The 2001 Chevrolet Corvette remains a two-seater with two black leather-upholstered bucket seats. A pair of snug-fit sports seats is available as an option for the coupe. Apart from a small console bin and glove box, storage space inside the coupe is non-existent. The Corvette comes with a number of standard equipment, including a low tire-pressure warning system, full analog gauges, air-conditioning, power windows and locks, heated power mirrors, a theft deterrent system, remote keyless entry, and a six-way power seat for the driver.

The 2001 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 model gets a Bose CD stereo system as well a dual-zone automatic climate control system. The convertible and hatchback versions include an optional heads-up display that displays information, such as car speed, on the windshield.

Performance & Handling

The 2001 Chevrolet Corvette's base engine is the 5.7-liter, V-8 engine, delivering 350 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 360 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. With the standard four-speed automatic transmission mated to the engine, the Corvette goes from standstill to 60 mph in just over five seconds. With the optional six-speed manual gearbox, this time can be reduced even further.

The 2001 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 has another more powerful, 5.7-liter, V-8 engine that delivers 385 horsepower at 6000 rpm, and it is mated to an M12 six-speed manual transmission. With this setup, the Z06 goes from zero to 60 mph within four seconds. With the incredible numbers stated above, it comes as no surprise to see that the 2001 Chevrolet Corvette is fast and very powerful with the basic configurations. The car offers all the liveliness and exuberance expected from a true sports coupe, and it does so while keeping both the driver and passengers comfortable.

The 2001 Chevrolet Corvette offers amazingly quick acceleration but remains refined at the same time. The passing and merging response is enthusiastic and almost immediate. The six-speed manual gearbox, which is mounted on the console, takes some time to get used to, and downshifting tends to be problematic. However, once the transmission system is mastered, there is one complaint. The handling characteristic of the Corvette is quite good and even overlaps the coupe’s sheer performance. The coupe remains tight all the time, even when driven over coarse pavements. The brakes function quickly and with adequate force even at high speeds.

The convertibles and hatchbacks are available with three suspension options: the FE1 base suspension, Z51 Performance/Handling suspension, and Selective Real Time Damping suspension. The Z06 gets an FE4 suspension that offers optimized handling characteristics.

Safety

The 2001 Chevrolet Corvette has anti-lock brakes, traction control, and dual airbags up front as standard safety features. However, side-impact airbags are missing from the standard and optional features list. The coupe uses its Active Handling stability control system to apply optimum braking power depending on the traction. There is no crash test information available for the Corvette.